When I Wished I Was Alone

Last updated Thursday, April 22, 2004

Author: Dave Cutler
Illustrator: Dave Cutler
Date of Publication: 2003
ISBN: 0967185106
Grade Level: 2nd
Date(s) Used: May 2004

Synopsis: Be careful what you wish for... Sometimes we're so mad that we wish everyone would just leave us alone! One night, for a young boy, this wish comes true...

Discussion topics for before reading:

• What do you do when you’re mad?
• Ever wished you lived alone? what would that mean?

Discussion topics for after reading:

• What is the boy’s wish at the beginning of the story? How does his wish come true?
• Why is the boy unhappy even though his wish came true? What does he really want?
• How does he get his second wish?
• Have you ever felt like the boy? What did you do?
• If you lived on an island, who would you invite to join you?

Craft ideas:

• Make a mobile with stars, draw family members on each of the stars
• Make a post card, with a picture of your island on the front, and an invitation to come visit on the other side.

Special challenge:

• Make bingo cards for the children using all of the great adjectives and adverbs from the book (blue stars, big suns, cool grass, etc), and play bingo.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!